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I purchased this product at a natural hair store when seeking a water-based leave-in conditioner for my locs. It retails for about $20 CAD.

This product contains water, apple cider vinegar, and a host of Ayurvedic herbs. I was excited to hear that this product can be used as a leave-in conditioner or pre-shampoo / scalp treatment. In theory, it has the ability to treat the scalp, help remove build up, and moisturize hair.

Unfortunately, I could not get over the smell! The smell of vinegar is unpleasant (at least in my opinion) and very hard to mask, making it ill-fitted as a leave-in conditioner or after workout spritz.

I resigned to using this product as treatment (apple cider vinegar helps treat dandruff as well as remove build up from the hair). I haven’t gotten around to that yet because I’d rather use pure apple cider vinegar, which is much less expensive.

In my opinion, this is not a horrible product per se, but maybe not as multi-purpose as totted to be. I would definitely not repurchase.

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The Results: When this product just came out (several to 10 years ago), I purchased it in hopes that it would tone down my super-oily T-zone. It helped a little, but not much. It was also too light to wear as a staple moisturizer and even the sales rep advised I wear it on top of my daily moisturizer.

I love The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Toner and Tea Tree Oil Make-Up Removal Sheets so I didn’t mind continuing the use of the mattifying moisture gel as it was part of the same line and it didn’t break me out. Clearasil had translucent oil absorbing/mattifying powder back then, but it would leave a bluish-white tinge on my dark skin. When I discovered mineral make-up roughly 5 years ago, I fell in love with it. It wouldn’t break me out, I could control the amount of coverage, and it was very easy to create my perfect shade.

One day, I decided to use the tea tree oil mattifying moisture gel as a primer for my loose mineral foundation. The foundation went from being slightly chalky to silky smooth and left my skin looking slightly dewy and airbrushed. I came to find that the tea tree oily mattifying moisture gel works amazing as a make-up primer! I’ve been using it on and off ever since. MAC’s Fix+ also gives me the same effect. I would recommend The Beauty Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Mattifying Moisture Gel *try saying that 3 times fast* as a super light moisturizer (even to those with sensitive skin) and – moreso – as a make-up primer.

Basically, commercial antiperspirants not only prevent you from sweating, keeping toxins in, but the aluminum used to make them is considered a neurotoxin itself. Toxins in the body contribute to all sorts of things: cancer, inflammation, skin breakouts. There are a few other ingredients commercial antiperspirant contains that have ill side effects as well (See here for more). Dr. Mist Body Hygiene Deodorant Spray is an aluminum-free deodorant spray that can be used on feet or under the armpits. Some have even used it on their face to fight acne (due to it’s antibacterial properties) and have experienced significant results.

The Claim “The multi-award winning Dr. Mist utilizes just pure water, concentrated salt and minerals to form a fluid spray that evaporates 4 times faster than ordinary water. Once the fluid evaporates it leaves a thin layer of very fine powder, a combination of salt and minerals on the skin. This fine powdery residue acts as a protective barrier to block and kill bacteria. Without the presence of bacteria reacting on sweat, there is no unpleasant odor. The unique combination of water and mineral salts means that Dr. Mist is unlike any conventional deodorant. It is non-greasy, non-irritating, non-toxic and does not contain any fragrance, artificial colorings, cream, oil or alcohol.”

Results I picked up the 50 mL spray at Honey Fig for $8 CDN, which is a little pricey for something I’ll probably go through very quickly. My goal is to eat very clean and stay away from commercial antiperspirants so that my body adapts and natural deodorant is then strong enough for me. Crystal Body Deodorant is inexpensive (under $4 for 4 oz) but it definitely did not keep me dry. Dr. Mist keeps me just as dry as Secret, Dove, or any over-the-counter antiperspirant I’ve tried… except for Mitchum (strong stuff). I’m luvin’ the Dr. Mist and will probably stock up on it when I run out. If you know of any other good (and affordable) natural deodorants, please share. ‘Til then, I fully recommend Dr. Mist. It’s available at most online drugstores. Pick yours up today!

The Claim: Step into the limelight. A daily dose of sun doesn’t have to be a risky proposition with this lightweight, antioxidant-rich miracle worker. Our naturally powerful Marine Complex, featuring sea moss extracts, stimulates cell regeneration to help correct uneven tone, while our breathable sunscreens help protect against future discoloration and sun-induced complexion issues. Wears well alone or under make-up.

Features and benefits: Protects against blotchiness for an even complexion.

Who should use this product? For all skin types. Uses: • Helps prevent sunburns • Higher SPF gives more sunburn protection

The IngredientsSignature ingredient: Aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin C antioxidants combine with Alba’s Marine Complex and SPF 15 protection to provide moisture and guard against the elements throughout the day.

The Results I used this product for about 6 weeks. I had vowed to switch to a moisturizer containing SPF because I wanted to prevent sun damage and fight aging ( I’m not getting any younger 😉 ). I purchased Alba Botanica Even Advanced Sea Moss Moisturizer for between $10 – $15 on iHerb.com, which is a pretty good price for a moisturizer containing natural ingredients and SPF 15. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and a little goes a long way. It also has a surprisingly pleasant yet faint smell to it. I knew right away that it was something that would not break me out or give me an adverse reaction. It hasn’t done much for my dark spots though. I tried Alba Hawaiian Aloe and Green Tea Moisturizer a few years ago, and it would sting my skin (to the point I thought I may be allergic) but left me with a bright, clear complexion. The verdict? I love that with Alba, most of their ingredients are certified organic. I also love that their products are relatively affordable and can be found in most health food stores. I think Alba’s Sea Moss Moisturizer is great for if you’re looking for a light everyday moisturizer. I don’t think it’s strong enough to transform any skin conditions. If you are looking to fade dark marks, look for a product containing glycolic acid or even fruit derived acids (eg. lemon, grapefruit, raw apple cider vinegar, etc.).

The Claim: Braid & Twist Styling Cream Our Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream is excellent for braiding, twisting and adding much needed moisture to dry, coarse curls:) This is a very thick and concentrated cream that is highly moisturizing and softening for type 3-4 coarse hair types. It is a very thick milky white cream and is scented with Ylang Ylang and Lemon! Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

The Results I was pleasantly surprised with this product. I used it to create double-strand twists on my 10-year-old’s 4B-type hair. It had no distinct scent to it (scents can be overpowering and/or offputting). It was also a nice consistency, not as thick as a gel but not as watery as most leave-in conditioners. A little goes a long way. You simply rub a small dab between your palms and apply to the hair. The results were perfect, for a kid her age especially. Just a little bit of hold… just a little bit of sheen… very natural looking as opposed to stiff/done up.

In my opinion, a little too light to use on my 3c/4a textured locs. A more cost-effective light-hold product would be pure aloe vera gel.

The Claim: A potent alpha and beta hydroxy acid complex from organic apple, lemon, grape, raw cane sugar and willow bark delivers spa-grade exfoliation, revealing a brighter complexion while firming the skin and eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Juice Beauty’s Age Defy Collection is designed for mature, normal, oily or dry skin. It is not formulated for individuals with redness, rosacea or very sensitive skin. For individuals with sensitive skin, see our Sensitive Skin Solution Regimen. Read More